What's Next For Cha Seung Won?

Cha Seung Won played a senior detective in "You're All Surrounded" and a transgender homicide detective in the film "Man On High Heels." Then for a change of pace, he signed on to a reality show, a spin off of "Three Meals A Day" series that was set in a fishing village. There he worked hard for his meals with fellow celebrities Yoo Hae Jin and Son Ho Joon.

His next project takes him in yet another direction. This time he will star in a historical drama titled "Hwajung," also known as "Splendid Politics."  

In that drama he will play the role of Prince Gwanghae. He's the latest in a succession of k-drama actors to play the prince. The list includes Ji Sung, Lee Byung Hun, Lee Sang Yoon and most recently Seo In Guk. Various actors have told his story from different perspectives, many calling the concubine's son a hero, but this telling of the story portrays the prince as a villain.

The drama will focus on the story of Princess Jung Myung, played by Lee Yeon Hee, last seen in "Miss Korea." Gwanghae's half-sister gets banned from the palace with her mother Queen Inmok and has to live like a commoner. She plots revenge against those she thinks are stealing the throne. That includes the prince who banished her.

The historical drama will also star Seo Kang Joon of "What Happened With This Family" and Lee Sung Min, who played Mr. Oh in the cable TV hit "Misaeng." Kim Jae Won of "Scandal" will play King Injo, the royal destined to replace Prince Gwanghae.

When questioned about his decision to take a role in a historical drama, Cha Seung Won told Yonhap News that he was more than ready for the long commitment.

"Others may avoid them but I've wanted to do a long drama for a while now," said Cha. "I want to focus and do a good job. I want to put in my share, work hard and do well in order not to be a liability for the drama."

"Hwajung" will be Cha Seung Won's first historical drama but he has acted in historical films before. He played Wong Gyu, a special investigator pursuing a murderer in the film "Blood Rain" and Lee Mong Hak, a legendary blind swordsman in the action film "Blades of Blood."

"Hwajung" will follow the final episode of 'Shine Or Go Crazy."